21st CCLC In Arizona

“Students in quality after school programs have better academic performance, behavior, school attendance and greater expectations for the future.” (U.S. Department of Education and Justice, 2000)

Purpose

The purpose of the program is to establish 21st Century Community Learning Centers that provide at-risk students with opportunities for standards based academic enrichment and other activities designed to support success in the students’ regular academic program. The 21st CCLC programs also engage adult family members in helping their children succeed academically.

Benefits

After school programs keep kids safe and improve students’ academic achievement by providing critical opportunities for youth to learn and grow. 21st Century Community Learning Center students who are involved in quality programming on a regular basis:

Get better grades

Have better behavior in and out of the classroom

Do better on standardized tests

21st CCLC in Arizona

A total of 215 Arizona 21st Century Community Learning Centers will offer out-of-school time academic help to Arizona students during school year 2011-2012. A total of $21,239,972 has been awarded to Arizona grantees. More than 57,000 students are projected to receive services after-school, before-school, during inter-sessions, on Saturdays and in summer school this year. Family members will participate in close to 10,000 parent engagement opportunities at the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Over 800 community partnerships will offer services to help grant staff meet their goals and objectives outlined in the approved 21st CCLC application.

Funding

This federal program is an important component of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Title IV, Part B, which helps to serve children in high need schools through the implementation of academic out-of-school time programs. This program once administered by the U. S. Department of Education (ED) has transferred from the Federal to the State level. ADE is accountable to the U.S. ED for ensuring that all statutory requirements are met.

Minimum grant award: $50,000 / year / school site

Maximum grant award: $120,000 / year / school site

General Requirements

The after school, before school and summer school 21st CCLC program must complement the regular academic school day.

After school program must be implemented according to the original awarded grant proposal.

After school program staff should work in close collaboration with the regular school day staff and community partners.

Partnerships and collaborations are required to provide services outlined in the grant and ensure long-term commitments of resources for sustainability.

Reading, math and writing program activities are required to be based on scientifically-based practices that provide evidence that the program activity will help students meet achievement standards.

All academic enrichment activities are obligated to be aligned to Arizona State Standards, using cross-curricular connections to meet multiple performance objectives.

Services to the family members of participating students may include family literacy activities and other educational activities based on community needs.

The program staff must consult school and district administration regarding safety, health and nutrition procedures, and policies.

Staffing Requirement

Each entity must employee at least 1 site coordinator per site to be on site during center hours.

Vision Team

The Arizona Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Unit has convened an advisory council, called “The Vision Team”. This group actively engages in the development of policies and procedures that support the implementation of the 21st Century Community Learning Center After-School Programs.In addition, this advisory council creates a vision for Arizona regarding the future of 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant funding and programs. This group of leaders guides the Arizona Department of Education 21st CCLC Unit by being the voice from the field and communicating grantee needs and requests.One of the greatest contributions of the Vision Team is the planning and coordinating of the 21st CCLC Fall Conference. Team members meet a minimum of four times a year and for two planning days during the month of June.Those individuals who are advocates of afterschool programming are welcome to join the Vision Team. Future members are either nominated by department staff or self-nominated to participate. If you are interested in participating, please contact the 21st CCLC office at 602-364-2349.